Have a question...

Please don't quote.

My SIL is preggo for the third time and apparently they are sending her for an amnio because she has markers for Trisomy 13...I am not sure what all this means, if anything at all. My BIL said they do it because she's she's nearing 35 and the acceptable ranges change. She is also going to see a genetic counselor; she's had 2 healthy pregnancies and one loss prior to this. I remember in her first pregnancy she had markers for DS. I am clueless but I know she's freaking out big time and I wanted to understand better. Any help?

Message edited 3/29/2011 9:46:04 AM.

Re: Have a question...

Unfortunately, its not a good thing. I think most children who have it don't survive. I would google it so you can better understand it. There are a lot of things that can happen. Its also referred to as Patau syndrome and 80% of children do not survive beyond the first month of life.

I'm sorry to tell you this awful news, but you should prepare yourself for this and try to be the best support system for your SIL that you can be.

Thankfully the amnio will give the results within a few days and you can start making difficult decisions at that time, if need be.

I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this

Re: Have a question...

Don't panic! There are so many people that have markers for DS and Trisomy 13/18 that wind up having a totally healthy child! The genetic counselor is a great asset he/she will explain to your sister in law the pros and cons of the amnio and all of results. Her doctor likely explained to her (mine did at least) that the NT scan where they look for markers has a ton of false positives. It happens so frequently, A few girls on this board, had false positives after the NT scan. The amnio will be able to tell her for sure if there are any issues with the baby, but the NT scan does NOT give firm results.

Re: Have a question...

I did a quick search on LIF because I know a lot of girls come back with "high chances" of the baby having trisomy 13/18. Here is just one story I found, maybe you will find it reassuring:

link

Re: Have a question...

i have no idea... like PP said the genetic counselor will definitely explain everything to them...